MINZONI, GIOVANNI. - Priest, born at Ravenna on 1 July 1885, assassinated at Argenta on 23 Aug. 1923. After his Ordination (19 Sept. 1909), he was curate (Feb. 1910) and then (3 Nov. 1915) archpriest of Argenta, where he devoted himself not only to the work of the ministry, but also to the educational organization of youth in preparation for political, administrative, and social struggles, thus becoming an object of profound admiration even among his numerous local opponents.
This esteem had ample opportunity to increase during the First World War, in which M. took part from Aug. 1916, piously continuing his customary religious apostolate and also earning a silver medal for valour in the field. In June 1919 he finally returned to his flock and vigorously resumed the daily yet tireless labour of Catholic-social organization and action, precisely when, the constraints of the Roman Question having been overcome, Catholics were able, through the Partito popolare, to make their beneficial and long-awaited influence felt upon the government and the destiny of the country. But the great ascendancy that in this respect as well the fearless d. M. had increasingly acquired among the rural masses could not please the rising Fascist movement: opposed in every way and repeatedly threatened, he had the fault of not yielding or allowing himself to be intimidated, and was therefore slaughtered by a group of hired assassins.